Del the Funky Homosapien – Eleventh Hour

Definitive Jux

Though his cousin, Ice Cube, has collected more platinum and gold sales, Del the Funky Homosapien has been a bright voice in rap music since his successful debut, the genre-defining record, I Wish My Brother George Was Here (1991). He has since released records at a superstar’s pace, roughly three to four years between albums, while working for other artists - including his more famous relative and, most notably, the Gorillaz. What Del has proven is that rap artists can eschew the hard and violent music prevalent in the genre, without descending into sacharine, feel-good parody like Hammer or Coolio.

His last studio album, 2000’s Both Sides of the Brain, reveled in the complexity of his artistic persona. Waiting eight years has shown that the rapper is still vital, capable of making urgent, humorous, and intelligent music. A flag-bearer of alternative rap, his use of jazz overtones and retro-soul accents on top of modern production gives his music substance that many in the genre lack.

His rhyming skills are undiminished and on some of the tracks, he asserts his talent and assures his fans that he hasn’t peaked, yet. “Bubble Pop” is a great track that transcends the genre cliché of rappers boasting of their skills; the title is misleading, as the song is not an accessible crossover party ditty. Instead Del is spitting verses on his considerable prowess over alarm-like snyths, while the chorus is humorously teasing his critics, “Why do you think you’re all that? You ain’t.”

“Situations” rides on a funky, soul guitar lick and vintage record scratches, with a sprightly beat, perfect for stepping. “Naked Fonk” is a sexy jam with the artist’s overlapping vocals reveling in dirty talk. The song is funny and enjoyable, and despite its subject matter, it’s not sexist (it may be vulgar, but Del seems to have embraced the vulgarity of the song and is unapologetic). “I’ll Tell You” is another excellent song, where Del hits back at his adversaries. It’s not a bitter song, but a witty one.

As with the best of alternative rap, Eleventh Hour boasts imaginative production. In his case, Del seems inspired by 1980’s urban radio, complete with chiming electronic bells, shiny synths and churning bass lines. Even Del’s rapping recalls the cadence of old school stalwarts like the Sugarhill Gang. Instead of a retread, the album is a minor, innovative triumph.

Review by Peter Piatkowski

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Eleventh Hour